The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory Business Plan

Nanoscale particles and devices are similar in size to biomolecules and can easily enter most cells. Our ability to manipulate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these particles affords researchers the ability to engineer and use nanoparticles for drug delivery, as image contrast agents, and for diagnostic purposes.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) is establishing the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) at its NCI-Frederick facility to provide critical infrastructure support to this rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Working in concert with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the intent of the NCL is to accelerate the transition of basic nano-biotech research into clinical applications.